1
|
Nsibande DF, Magasana V, Zembe W, Kindra G, Mogashoa M, Goga A, Ramokolo V. Health facility users' knowledge, perceptions, and practices about infant feeding in the context of option B+ in South Africa: a qualitative study. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17:89. [PMID: 36539742 PMCID: PMC9764699 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00526-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV and sub-optimal infant feeding practices remain important threats to child growth, development, and survival in low- and middle-income countries. To our knowledge, few studies have explored health service users' perspective of infant feeding in the context of WHO Option B+ policy to prevent vertical HIV transmission (PMTCT). This paper is a sub-analysis of qualitative data from a mixed-methods multi-level process evaluation of Option B+ implementation in South Africa (SA). In this study we explored health facility users' infant feeding knowledge, perceptions, and practices one year after SA adopted the 2016 updated World Health Organization prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV Option B+ infant feeding guidelines. METHODS Nineteen focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with six groups of men and women whose infants were aged < 6 months. Participants were attending randomly selected primary health care facilities within six purposively selected priority districts. The six groups included in the FGDs were: (i) adolescent girls and young women living with HIV (WHIV), (ii) adolescent girls and young women not living with HIV (WNHIV), (iii) older postnatal WHIV (iv) older postnatal WNHIV (v) pregnant women, and (vi) men. Data collection took place between April and December 2018. Data analysis involved coding and thematic framework analysis. RESULTS Women and men have suboptimal knowledge of the recommended breastfeeding duration and exclusive breastfeeding, especially for HIV-exposed infants. Most women received sub-optimal infant feeding counselling and mixed messages from health care workers. Fewer WHIV initiated breastfeeding at birth compared to WNHIV. Most parents believed that HIV-exposed infants should be breastfed for 6 months and many postnatal women on antiretroviral drugs and younger mothers lacked confidence to breastfeed beyond 6 months. Mixed feeding was predominant among all women due to individual, family, and socio-structural barriers. Many men were supportive on infant feeding; however, they lacked the appropriate information and skills to influence their partners' infant feeding decisions. CONCLUSIONS Differences in breastfeeding practices between WHIV and WNHIV are highly influenced by the lack of knowledge of infant feeding policy recommendations. Multiple-level factors deter many mothers from adhering to recommended guidelines. Appropriate ongoing infant feeding counselling and breastfeeding support are required for women and their partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duduzile Faith Nsibande
- grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit (HIDRU), SAMRC, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vuyolwethu Magasana
- grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit (HIDRU), SAMRC, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wanga Zembe
- grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gurpreet Kindra
- grid.513001.6United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mary Mogashoa
- grid.513001.6United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ameena Goga
- grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit (HIDRU), SAMRC, Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Vundli Ramokolo
- grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024Health Systems Research Unit (HSRU), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.415021.30000 0000 9155 0024HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit (HIDRU), SAMRC, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fabusoro OK, Mejia LA. Nutrition in HIV-Infected Infants and Children: Current Knowledge, Existing Challenges, and New Dietary Management Opportunities. Adv Nutr 2021; 12:1424-1437. [PMID: 33439976 PMCID: PMC8321844 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV infection and undernutrition remain significant public health concerns for infants and children. In infants and children under these conditions, undernutrition is one of the leading causes of death. Proper management of nutrition and related nutrition complications in these groups with increased nutrition needs are prominent challenges, particularly in HIV-prevalent poor-resource environments. Several studies support the complexity of the relation between HIV infection, nutrition, and the immune system. These elements interact and create a vicious circle of poor health outcomes. Recent studies on the use of probiotics as a novel approach to manage microbiome imbalance and gut-mucosal impairment in HIV infection are gaining attention. This new strategy could help to manage dysbiosis and gut-mucosal impairment by reducing immune activation, thereby potentially forestalling unwanted health outcomes in children with HIV. However, existing trials on HIV-infected children are still insufficient. There are also conflicting reports on the dosage and effectiveness of single or multiple micronutrient supplementation in the survival of HIV-infected children with severe acute malnutrition. The WHO has published guidelines that include time of initiation of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-pregnant mothers and their HIV-exposed or HIV-infected children, micronutrient supplementation, dietary formulations, prevention, and management of HIV therapy. However, such guidelines need to be reviewed owing to recent advances in the field of nutrition. There is a need for new intervention studies, practical strategies, and evidence-based guidelines to reduce the disease burden, improve adherence to treatment regimen, and enhance the nutrition, health, and well-being of HIV-infected infants and children. This review provides up-to-date scientific information on current knowledge and existing challenges for nutrition therapy in HIV-infected infants and children. Moreover, it presents new research findings that could be incorporated into current guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olufemi K Fabusoro
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Luis A Mejia
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Goon DT, Ajayi AI, Adeniyi OV. Sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Int Breastfeed J 2021; 16:18. [PMID: 33593419 PMCID: PMC7885516 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-021-00366-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with a reduction of postnatal HIV transmission and optimal infant growth. Given that the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding are multi-factorial and context-specific, we examined the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in the first 6 months among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January to May 2018, on 469 parturient women enlisted in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cohort study in the Eastern Cape. Mothers were asked to recall whether they breastfed their infant exclusively with breast milk from birth and if so, to state how long they did. We collected relevant sociodemographic, lifestyle, and maternal information by interview. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were fitted to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. RESULTS The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding, measured since birth, was 32.0%. E Exclusive breastfeeding's prevalence was significantly higher among married women (36.8%), unemployed women (36.6%), non-smokers (32.7%), and those who never drank alcohol (37.0%). Unemployed women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.66, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.08-2.56) and those with grade 12 or less level of education (AOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.02-7.49) had a higher likelihood of practising EBF for 6 months since birth while mothers who consumed alcohol (AOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34-0.85) were less likely to practice EBF for 6 months. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding in the study, although comparable with sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide prevalence, remains suboptimal. Advocacy campaigns on EBF must target alcohol cessation and the creation of a favourable workplace environment for lactating mothers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ter Goon
- Department of Public Health, University of Fort Hare, 5 Oxford Street, East London, 5201 South Africa
| | - Anthony Idowu Ajayi
- Population Dynamics and Sexual and Reproductive Health, African Population and Health Research Centre, APHRC Campus, Manga Close, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sociology Department, University of Fort Hare, East London, 5201 South Africa
| | - Oladele Vincent Adeniyi
- Department of Public Health, University of Fort Hare, 5 Oxford Street, East London, 5201 South Africa
- Department of Family Medicine, East London Hospital Complex, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, East London, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mlambo MG, Peltzer K. Perceptions of grandmothers and HIV-infected mothers on infant feeding practices in a rural South African district. Health SA 2020; 25:1372. [PMID: 32934827 PMCID: PMC7479409 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v25i0.1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite enormous interventions aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, cultural practices on mixed infant feeding remain prevalent. Complementary food provision to infants seems to be the most common and acceptable form of infant feeding highly endorsed by grandmothers. Aim This study aimed to explore the perceptions of grandmothers and HIV-infected mothers on infant feeding practices in the context of prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Setting This study was undertaken in two primary healthcare facilities in the Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Methods A qualitative exploratory narrative design was used to conduct four focus group discussions with 32 purposefully selected grandmothers and 21 in-depth interviews with postnatal HIV-infected women in the two identified health facilities. Data were analysed using an interthematic inductive analysis approach, resulting in major themes and subthemes supported by participants’ excerpts. Results Four themes emerged showing (1) high mixed feeding endorsement because of the need to adhere to conventional practices, strengthen the umbilicus and have fuller, fat and calmer babies; (2) infant feeding fallacies and stigma reflected by exclusive breastfeeding period confusion, breastfeeding scepticism and infant feeding stigma; (3) breastfeeding endorsement for other disease prevention and family support for breastfeeding and (4) conflict between traditional and western infant feeding approaches. Conclusion Total elimination of MTCT of HIV in a rural context calls for targeted education for grandmothers addressing their perceptions and practices of infant feeding. The knowledge of the identified factors encouraging mixed infant feeding can assist in designing programmes to change community beliefs on infant feeding. Cultural, social and psychosocial factors should be addressed when making recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding for HIV-positive mothers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Motlatso G Mlambo
- Department of Institutional Research and Business Intelligence, Risk and Advisory Services, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Karl Peltzer
- Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Turfloop, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yapa HM, Drayne R, Klein N, De Neve JW, Petoumenos K, Jiamsakul A, Herbst C, Pillay D, Post FA, Bärnighausen T. Infant feeding knowledge and practice vary by maternal HIV status: a nested cohort study in rural South Africa. Int Breastfeed J 2020; 15:77. [PMID: 32873311 PMCID: PMC7466779 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-020-00317-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We investigate whether correct infant feeding knowledge and practice differ by maternal HIV status in an era of evolving clinical guidelines in rural South Africa. Methods This cohort study was nested within the MONARCH stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial (www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02626351) which tested the impact of continuous quality improvement on antenatal care quality at seven primary care clinics in KwaZulu-Natal, from July 2015 to January 2017. Women aged ≥18 years at delivery were followed up to 6 weeks postpartum. Clinical data were sourced from routine medical records at delivery. Structured interviews at early postnatal visits and the 6-week postnatal immunisation visit provided data on infant feeding knowledge and feeding practices respectively. We measured the relationship between maternal HIV status and (i) correct infant feeding knowledge at the early postnatal visit; and (ii) infant feeding practice at 6 weeks, using Poisson and multinomial regression models, respectively. Results We analysed data from 1693 women with early postnatal and 471 with 6-week postnatal interviews. HIV prevalence was 47% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42, 52%). Women living with HIV were more knowledgeable than women not living with HIV on correct infant feeding recommendations (adjusted risk ratio, aRR, 1.08, p < 0.001). More women living with HIV (33%; 95% CI 26, 41%) were not breastfeeding than women not living with HIV (15%; 95% CI 11, 21%). However, among women who were currently breastfeeding their infants, fewer women living with HIV (5%; 95% CI 2, 9%) mixed fed their babies than women not living with HIV (21%; 95% CI 14, 32%). In adjusted analyses, women living with HIV were more likely to avoid breastfeeding (adjusted relative risk ratio, aRRR, 2.78, p < 0.001) and less likely to mixed feed (aRRR 0.22, p < 0.001) than women not living with HIV. Conclusions Many mothers in rural South Africa still do not practice exclusive breastfeeding. Women living with HIV were more knowledgeable but had lower overall uptake of breastfeeding, compared with women not living with HIV. Women living with HIV were also more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding over mixed feeding if currently breastfeeding. Improved approaches are needed to increase awareness of correct infant feeding and exclusive breastfeeding uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Manisha Yapa
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia. .,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - Róisín Drayne
- School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nigel Klein
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jan-Walter De Neve
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathy Petoumenos
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Awachana Jiamsakul
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carina Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Deenan Pillay
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Frank A Post
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.,Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fuls N, Krüger E, van der Linde J. Feeding characteristics of infants in a lower-middle-income country. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:1083-1089. [PMID: 32073196 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe feeding characteristics (such as breast feeding and complementary feeding) and determine the nature of feeding difficulties of infants in a primary health-care clinic (PHC) in South Africa. METHODS A total of 200 infants aged 6-12 months (mean = 8.54, standard deviation = 2.18) received a feeding screening by a speech-language therapist at a PHC in a semi-urban area using the Montreal Children's Hospital-Feeding Scale (MCH-FS). Children who failed screening underwent further clinical feeding evaluation using the Schedule of Oral Motor Assessment. RESULTS The sample consisted of 200 participants, and most participants (n = 174; 87%) received breastfeeding, irrespective of their mothers' human immunodeficiency virus status. The longer the breastfeeding period, the less likely parents were to show concern about infants' feeding (P = 0.035). Complementary feeding was introduced between 6 and 8 months (n = 122; 82%). The MCH-FS identified 13 participants with feeding difficulties (6.5%), of which 11 were diagnosed with oral motor dysfunction (OMD) using the Schedule of Oral Motor Assessment. The 6.5% (n = 13) that failed had mild (n = 8; 61.5%), moderate (n = 2; 15.4%) and severe (n = 3; 23.1%) feeding difficulties, as reported by care givers using the MCH-FS. The MCH-FS showed that distraction during meals/following infants (n = 42; 21%); food refusal (n = 31; 15.5%); care giver unease about feeding (n = 29; 14.5%); and problems with vomiting, gagging or spitting (n = 28; 14%) were characteristics of feeding in this sample. Participants in the age groups 6 (n = 3; 27.3%) and 10 months (n = 3; 27.3%) were prone to OMD. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first of its kind to describe the feeding characteristics of a group of infants during the transitional feeding stage in late infancy in South Africa. Important findings were the existence of OMD in 11 infants and feeding difficulties during transitional feeding in 13 infants. The study's findings may be used as a starting point for larger-scale studies in a similar setting, investigating the development of future care giver education and health-care professional training programmes regarding transitional feeding. Research endeavours by speech-language therapists need to prioritise late infancy and transitional feeding in order to prevent possible difficulties arising from sub-optimal care giver feeding practices. The study may be valuable to all health-care providers in PHC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Fuls
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Esedra Krüger
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jeannie van der Linde
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mixed Infant Feeding Practice and Associated Factors among HIV-Positive Women under Care in Gondar City's Public Health Facilities within Two Years Postpartum: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Pediatr 2020; 2020:4597962. [PMID: 32695187 PMCID: PMC7350176 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4597962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mixed infant feeding practice remains a major setback for effective prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV program and updated evidences on this issue is essential for better interventions. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the proportion and associated factors of mixed infant feeding practice among HIV-positive women under care in public health institutions in Gondar city within two years postpartum, Ethiopia, 2017. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 485 HIV-positive women under care in Gondar City's health facilities from May 1 to June 30/2017. Data were collected via interviewer administered questionnaire supplemented with chart review, entered into Epinfo version 7.0 and then exported to SPSS version 20.0. Both bivariable and multivariable analyses were done, and the statistical significance of each variable was claimed based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and its P value ≤0.05. Result The proportion of HIV-positive women practicing mixed infant feeding was 21.6%. Whereas, about 73.8% and 4.5% of the mothers demonstrated exclusive breastfeeding and exclusive replacement feeding, respectively. Mixed infant feeding practice was independently predicted by lack of antenatal care (AOR = 6.9; 95% CI: 3.4, 14.1) and home delivery (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.4, 5.4). Conclusion The magnitude of mixed infant feeding practice was higher than the reports of many other studies, and its predictors were connected to poor adherence to maternal health care service utilization. Hence, stakeholders need to work more on ANC and facility delivery service coverage.
Collapse
|
8
|
Nieuwoudt SJ, Ngandu CB, Manderson L, Norris SA. Exclusive breastfeeding policy, practice and influences in South Africa, 1980 to 2018: A mixed-methods systematic review. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224029. [PMID: 31626658 PMCID: PMC6799928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011, South Africa committed to promoting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months for all mothers, regardless of HIV status, in line with World Health Organization recommendations. This was a marked shift from earlier policies, and with it, average EBF rates increased from less than 10% in 2011 to 32% by 2016. OBJECTIVES The aim of this mixed-methods systematic review was to describe EBF practices in South Africa and their multi-level influences over four policy periods. METHODS We applied PRISMA guidelines according to a published protocol (Prospero: CRD42014010512). We searched seven databases [Africa-Wide, PubMed, Popline, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Global Health, and The Cochrane Library] and conducted hand searches for eligible articles (all study designs, conducted in South Africa and published between 1980-2018). The quality of articles was assessed using published tools, as appropriate. Separate policy analysis was conducted to delineate four distinct policy periods. We compared EBF rates by these periods. Then, applying a three-level ecological framework, we analysed EBF influences concurrently by method. Finally, the findings were synthesized to compare breastfeeding influences by policy period, maintaining an ecological framework. RESULTS From an initial sample of 20,226 articles, 72 unique articles were reviewed, three of which contributed to both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Despite the large sample, several provinces were poorly represented (if at all) and many studies were assessed as low to moderate quality. Despite these limitations, our historical lens enabled us to explore why South African progress on increasing EBF practices has been slow. The review reflects a context that increasingly supports EBF, but falls short in accounting for family, community, and workplace influences. The findings also highlight the unintended damage caused by rapidly adopting and introducing global guidelines to an unsupported health workforce. CONCLUSIONS From a South African perspective, we identified geographic and methodological biases, as well as gaps in our understanding and potential explanations of inequities in EBF. Our recommendations relate to policy, programming, and research to inform changes that would be required to further improve EBF practice rates in South Africa. While our review is South Africa-specific, our findings have broader implications for investing in multi-level interventions and limiting how often infant feeding guidelines are changed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jewett Nieuwoudt
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways Health and Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Christian B. Ngandu
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways Health and Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lenore Manderson
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
- School of Social Sciences, Menzies Building, Clayton Campus, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shane A. Norris
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways Health and Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Human Development and Health, and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mundagowa PT, Chadambuka EM, Chimberengwa PT, Mukora-Mutseyekwa F. Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of infants aged 6 to 12 months in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe. Int Breastfeed J 2019; 14:30. [PMID: 31333755 PMCID: PMC6617858 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-019-0225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2016, 98% of children in Zimbabwe received breastmilk, however only 40% of babies under six months were exclusively breastfed 24 h prior to data collection. A 2014 survey revealed that Matabeleland South Province had the country’s highest starvation rates and food insecurities were rife. This study aimed at investigating maternal, infant, household, environmental and cultural factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice in Gwanda District. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2018. Interviews used pretested structured questionnaires for 225 mothers of infants aged between six and twelve months at immunization outreach points and health facilities. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analysis estimated the association between the dependent and independent variables. Exclusive breastfeeding was defined as feeding an infant on breast milk only from birth up to the age of six months. Results The majority of mothers (n = 193; 89%) had knowledge about EBF and 189 (84%) expressed a positive attitude towards the practice, however, only 81 (36%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding. The most common complementary food/fluid given to the infants was plain water (n = 85; 59%). Predictors for EBF were: maternal Human Immuno-deficiency Virus positive status (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.30; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.17, 0.56) and being economically independent (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.21, 0.79). Barriers to practicing EBF were: being a young mother under 25 years of age (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.67, 5.57), having one or two children (OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.29, 4.79), living in less than two rooms (OR 3.86; 95% CI 1.88, 7.93) and having a baby of low birthweight (OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.40, 2.71). After multivariate analysis, only the mother’s economic independence was associated with practicing EBF (Adjusted OR [AOR] 0.83; 95% CI 0.30, 0.92). Key informants identified traditional family practices as the major barrier to EBF. Conclusion The exclusive breastfeeding rates were low despite the mothers’ high knowledge levels and positive attitudes towards the practice. In addressing the multiple factors influencing the cost effective practice, there is need to channel supportive measures through a system-wide approach. This can be achieved by realigning breastfeeding policy directives as well as community attitudes and values towards the exclusive breastfeeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paddington T Mundagowa
- 1College of Health Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - Elizabeth M Chadambuka
- 1College of Health Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dugdale CM, Ciaranello AL, Bekker LG, Stern ME, Myer L, Wood R, Sax PE, Abrams EJ, Freedberg KA, Walensky RP. Risks and Benefits of Dolutegravir- and Efavirenz-Based Strategies for South African Women With HIV of Child-Bearing Potential: A Modeling Study. Ann Intern Med 2019; 170:614-625. [PMID: 30934067 PMCID: PMC6736740 DOI: 10.7326/m18-3358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dolutegravir is superior to efavirenz for HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) but may be associated with an increased risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns if used by women at conception. Objective To project clinical outcomes of ART policies for women of child-bearing potential in South Africa. Design Model of 3 strategies: efavirenz for all women of child-bearing potential (EFV), dolutegravir for all women of child-bearing potential (DTG), or World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended efavirenz without contraception or dolutegravir with contraception (WHO approach). Data Sources Published data on NTD risks (efavirenz, 0.05%; dolutegravir, 0.67% [Tsepamo study]), 48-week ART efficacy with initiation (efavirenz, 60% to 91%; dolutegravir, 96%), and age-stratified fertility rates (2 to 139 per 1000 women). Target Population 3.1 million South African women with HIV (aged 15 to 49 years) starting or continuing first-line ART, and their children. Time Horizon 5 years. Perspective Societal. Intervention EFV, DTG, and WHO approach. Outcome Measures Deaths among women and children, sexual and pediatric HIV transmissions, and NTDs. Results of Base-Case Analysis Compared with EFV, DTG averted 13 700 women's deaths (0.44% decrease) and 57 700 sexual HIV transmissions, but increased total pediatric deaths by 4400 because of more NTDs. The WHO approach offered some benefits compared with EFV, averting 4900 women's deaths and 20 500 sexual transmissions while adding 300 pediatric deaths. Overall, combined deaths among women and children were lowest with DTG (358 000 deaths) compared with the WHO approach (362 800 deaths) or EFV (367 300 deaths). Results of Sensitivity Analysis Women's deaths averted with DTG exceeded pediatric deaths added with EFV unless dolutegravir-associated NTD risk was 1.5% or greater. Limitation Uncertainty in NTD risks and dolutegravir efficacy in resource-limited settings, each examined in sensitivity analyses. Conclusion Although NTD risks may be higher with dolutegravir than efavirenz, dolutegravir will lead to many fewer deaths among women, as well as fewer overall HIV transmissions. These results argue against a uniform policy of avoiding dolutegravir in women of child-bearing potential. Primary Funding Source National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; Massachusetts General Hospital; and Harvard University Center for AIDS Research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Dugdale
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.M.D., A.L.C., K.A.F.)
| | - Andrea L Ciaranello
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.M.D., A.L.C., K.A.F.)
| | | | | | - Landon Myer
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (L.B., L.M., R.W.)
| | - Robin Wood
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (L.B., L.M., R.W.)
| | - Paul E Sax
- Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (P.E.S.)
| | | | - Kenneth A Freedberg
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.M.D., A.L.C., K.A.F.)
| | - Rochelle P Walensky
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (R.P.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kennedy SH, Victora CG, Craik R, Ash S, Barros FC, Barsosio HC, Berkley JA, Carvalho M, Fernandes M, Cheikh Ismail L, Lambert A, Lindgren CM, McGready R, Munim S, Nellåker C, Noble JA, Norris SA, Nosten F, Ohuma EO, Papageorghiou AT, Stein A, Stones W, Tshivuila-Matala COO, Staines Urias E, Vatish M, Wulff K, Zainab G, Zondervan KT, Uauy R, Bhutta ZA, Villar J. Deep clinical and biological phenotyping of the preterm birth and small for gestational age syndromes: The INTERBIO-21 st Newborn Case-Control Study protocol. Gates Open Res 2019; 2:49. [PMID: 31172050 PMCID: PMC6545521 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12869.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: INTERBIO-21
st is Phase II of the INTERGROWTH-21
st Project, the population-based, research initiative involving nearly 70,000 mothers and babies worldwide coordinated by Oxford University and performed by a multidisciplinary network of more than 400 healthcare professionals and scientists from 35 institutions in 21 countries worldwide. Phase I, conducted 2008-2015, consisted of nine complementary studies designed to describe optimal human growth and neurodevelopment, based conceptually on the WHO prescriptive approach. The studies generated a set of international standards for monitoring growth and neurodevelopment, which complement the existing WHO Child Growth Standards. Phase II aims to improve the functional classification of the highly heterogenous preterm birth and fetal growth restriction syndromes through a better understanding of how environmental exposures, clinical conditions and nutrition influence patterns of human growth from conception to childhood, as well as specific neurodevelopmental domains and associated behaviors at 2 years of age. Methods: In the INTERBIO-21
st Newborn Case-Control Study, a major component of Phase II, our objective is to investigate the mechanisms potentially responsible for preterm birth and small for gestational age and their interactions, using deep phenotyping of clinical, growth and epidemiological data and associated nutritional, biochemical, omic and histological profiles. Here we describe the study sites, population characteristics, study design, methodology and standardization procedures for the collection of longitudinal clinical data and biological samples (maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, placental tissue, maternal feces and infant buccal swabs) for the study that was conducted between 2012 and 2018 in Brazil, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. Discussion: Our study provides a unique resource for the planned analyses given the range of potentially disadvantageous exposures (including poor nutrition, pregnancy complications and infections) in geographically diverse populations worldwide. The study should enhance current medical knowledge and provide new insights into environmental influences on human growth and neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H Kennedy
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - Cesar G Victora
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Rachel Craik
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen Ash
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Ludwig Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fernando C Barros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Comportamento, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Hellen C Barsosio
- KEMRI-Coast Centre for Geographical Medicine and Research, University of Oxford, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - James A Berkley
- KEMRI-Coast Centre for Geographical Medicine and Research, University of Oxford, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria Carvalho
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michelle Fernandes
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ann Lambert
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - Cecilia M Lindgren
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Shama Munim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Christoffer Nellåker
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julia A Noble
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shane A Norris
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways For Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Eric O Ohuma
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Center for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aris T Papageorghiou
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - Alan Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William Stones
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.,Departments of Public Health and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Chrystelle O O Tshivuila-Matala
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,SAMRC Developmental Pathways For Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Health, Nutrition & Population Global Practice, World Bank Group, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eleonora Staines Urias
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katharina Wulff
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ghulam Zainab
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Krina T Zondervan
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ricardo Uauy
- Division of Paediatrics, Pontifical Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Nutrition and Public Health Interventions Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Center for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - José Villar
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kennedy SH, Victora CG, Craik R, Ash S, Barros FC, Barsosio HC, Berkley JA, Carvalho M, Fernandes M, Cheikh Ismail L, Lambert A, Lindgren CM, McGready R, Munim S, Nellåker C, Noble JA, Norris SA, Nosten F, Ohuma EO, Papageorghiou AT, Stein A, Stones W, Tshivuila-Matala COO, Staines Urias E, Vatish M, Wulff K, Zainab G, Zondervan KT, Uauy R, Bhutta ZA, Villar J. Deep clinical and biological phenotyping of the preterm birth and small for gestational age syndromes: The INTERBIO-21 st Newborn Case-Control Study protocol. Gates Open Res 2019. [PMID: 31172050 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12869.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: INTERBIO-21 st is Phase II of the INTERGROWTH-21 st Project, the population-based, research initiative involving nearly 70,000 mothers and babies worldwide coordinated by Oxford University and performed by a multidisciplinary network of more than 400 healthcare professionals and scientists from 35 institutions in 21 countries worldwide. Phase I, conducted 2008-2015, consisted of nine complementary studies designed to describe optimal human growth and neurodevelopment, based conceptually on the WHO prescriptive approach. The studies generated a set of international standards for monitoring growth and neurodevelopment, which complement the existing WHO Child Growth Standards. Phase II aims to improve the functional classification of the highly heterogenous preterm birth and fetal growth restriction syndromes through a better understanding of how environmental exposures, clinical conditions and nutrition influence patterns of human growth from conception to childhood, as well as specific neurodevelopmental domains and associated behaviors at 2 years of age. Methods: In the INTERBIO-21 st Newborn Case-Control Study, a major component of Phase II, our objective is to investigate the mechanisms potentially responsible for preterm birth and small for gestational age and their interactions, using deep phenotyping of clinical, growth and epidemiological data and associated nutritional, biochemical, omic and histological profiles. Here we describe the study sites, population characteristics, study design, methodology and standardization procedures for the collection of longitudinal clinical data and biological samples (maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, placental tissue, maternal feces and infant buccal swabs) for the study that was conducted between 2012 and 2018 in Brazil, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. Discussion: Our study provides a unique resource for the planned analyses given the range of potentially disadvantageous exposures (including poor nutrition, pregnancy complications and infections) in geographically diverse populations worldwide. The study should enhance current medical knowledge and provide new insights into environmental influences on human growth and neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H Kennedy
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - Cesar G Victora
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Rachel Craik
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen Ash
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Ludwig Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fernando C Barros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Comportamento, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Hellen C Barsosio
- KEMRI-Coast Centre for Geographical Medicine and Research, University of Oxford, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - James A Berkley
- KEMRI-Coast Centre for Geographical Medicine and Research, University of Oxford, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria Carvalho
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michelle Fernandes
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ann Lambert
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - Cecilia M Lindgren
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Shama Munim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Christoffer Nellåker
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julia A Noble
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shane A Norris
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways For Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Eric O Ohuma
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Center for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aris T Papageorghiou
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - Alan Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William Stones
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.,Departments of Public Health and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Chrystelle O O Tshivuila-Matala
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,SAMRC Developmental Pathways For Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Health, Nutrition & Population Global Practice, World Bank Group, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eleonora Staines Urias
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katharina Wulff
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ghulam Zainab
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Krina T Zondervan
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ricardo Uauy
- Division of Paediatrics, Pontifical Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Nutrition and Public Health Interventions Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Center for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - José Villar
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Umeobieri AK, Mbachu C, Uzochukwu BSC, Elias A, Omotowo B, Agunwa C, Obi I. Perception and practice of breastfeeding among HIV positive mothers receiving care for prevention of mother to child transmission in South-East, Nigeria. Int Breastfeed J 2018; 13:50. [PMID: 30519275 PMCID: PMC6264606 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-018-0191-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although the risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding is reduced considerably with the use of antiretroviral therapy, infant feeding by HIV positive mothers remains controversial. Weighing risks against benefits generates intense debate among policymakers, program managers and service providers in sub-Saharan Africa, considering that the major causes of infant death of malnutrition and infectious diseases, could be prevented if mothers breastfeed their babies. Whereas breastfeeding involves some risk of HIV transmission, not breastfeeding poses considerable risk to infant survival. This study investigated perceptions and practice of breastfeeding of HIV-exposed infants among HIV positive mothers. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Enugu metropolis among HIV positive mothers receiving care for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV from two public and two private hospitals. Interviewer-administered questionnaire survey was done with 550 participants as they exited the final point of service delivery. Descriptive statistics of perception and practice variables and cross tabulation of selected variables was performed. Results Most mothers knew that HIV could be transmitted through breast milk. The majority perceived any type of breastfeeding as beneficial to the infant: 230 (83.6%) in private facilities, and 188 (68.4%) public facilities. Over three-quarters of the mothers breastfed their infants and their reasons for breastfeeding included personal choice, cultural norms, fear of HIV status being disclosed and pressure from family members. A statistical significant association was found between; (i) practice of breastfeeding and marital status, (p < 0.01), and (ii) practice of breastfeeding and household income provider (p = 0.02). However, neither marital status (AOR 1.4; 95% CI 0.3, 6.8) nor being the household income provider (AOR 4.9; 95% CI 0.6, 12.9) is a significant predictor of breastfeeding of HIV-exposed infants. Conclusions Breastfeeding remains a common trend among HIV positive women and it is associated with economic independence of women and social support. Fear of stigma negatively affects practice of breastfeeding. Hence, HIV positive mothers need economic independence and the support of family members to practice recommended infant feeding options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ancilla-Kate Umeobieri
- 1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Chinyere Mbachu
- 1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, Enugu, Nigeria.,2Institute of Public Health, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin S C Uzochukwu
- 1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, Enugu, Nigeria.,2Institute of Public Health, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Aniwada Elias
- 1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Babatunde Omotowo
- 1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Chuka Agunwa
- 1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu Obi
- 1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, Enugu, Nigeria.,2Institute of Public Health, University of Nigeria Enugu campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Horwood C, Jama NA, Haskins L, Coutsoudis A, Spies L. A qualitative study exploring infant feeding decision-making between birth and 6 months among HIV-positive mothers. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2018; 15:e12726. [PMID: 30338632 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite efforts to support breastfeeding for HIV-positive mothers in South Africa, being HIV-positive remains a barrier to initiating and sustaining breastfeeding. The aim was to explore decision-making about infant feeding practices among HIV-positive mothers in a rural and urban settings in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. HIV-positive pregnant women were purposively sampled from one antenatal clinic in each setting. A qualitative longitudinal cohort design was employed, with monthly in-depth interviews conducted over 6 months postdelivery. Data were analysed using framework analysis. We report findings from 11 HIV-positive women within a larger cohort. Participants were aged between 15 and 41 years and were all on antiretroviral therapy. Before delivery, nine mothers intended to exclusively breastfeed (EBF) for 6 months, and two intended to exclusively formula feed (EFF). Three mothers successfully EBF for 6 months, whereas four had stopped breastfeeding, and two were mixed breastfeeding by 6 months. Mothers reported receiving strong advice from health workers (HWs) to EBF and made decisions based primarily on HWs advice, resisting contrary pressure from family or friends. The main motivation for EBF was to protect the child from HIV acquisition, but sometimes fear of mixed feeding led to mothers stopping breastfeeding entirely. Infant feeding messages from HWs advice were frequently inadequate and out of date, and failed to address mothers' challenges. Minimal support was provided for EFF. In conclusion, HWs play a pivotal role in providing infant feeding support to HIV infected mothers, but need regular updates to ensure if advice is correct and appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Horwood
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Lyn Haskins
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anna Coutsoudis
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health School of Clinical Medicine Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenore Spies
- Department of Health, Nutrition Directorate, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nieuwoudt S, Manderson L. Frontline health workers and exclusive breastfeeding guidelines in an HIV endemic South African community: a qualitative exploration of policy translation. Int Breastfeed J 2018; 13:20. [PMID: 29930693 PMCID: PMC5992713 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-018-0164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mothers rely heavily on health worker advice to make infant feeding decisions. Confusing or misleading advice can lead to suboptimal feeding practices. From 2001, HIV positive mothers in South Africa were counseled to choose either exclusive breastfeeding or exclusive formula feeding to minimize vertical HIV transmission. On the basis of revised World Health Organization guidelines, the government amended this policy in 2011, by promoting exclusive breastfeeding and discontinuing the provision of free formula. We explored how health workers experienced this new policy in an HIV endemic community in 2015–16, with attention to their knowledge of the policy, counselling practices, and observations of any changes. Methods We interviewed eleven health workers, from four community health clinics, who had counseled mothers before and after the policy change. The transcribed interviews were analyzed thematically, using a hybrid coding approach. Results The scientific rationale of the policy was not explained to most health workers, who mostly thought that the discontinuation of the formula program was cost-related. The content of their counseling reflected knowledge about promoting breastfeeding for all women, and accordingly they mentioned the nutritional and developmental benefits of breastfeeding. The importance of exclusive breastfeeding for all infants was not emphasized, instead counseling focused on HIV prevention, even for uninfected mothers. The health workers noted an increased incidence of breastfeeding, but some worried that to avoid HIV disclosure, HIV positive mothers were mixed feeding rather than exclusively breastfeeding. Conclusions Causal links between the policy, counseling content and feeding practices were unclear. Some participants believed that breastfeeding practices were driven by finance or family pressures rather than the health information they provided. Health workers generally lacked training on the policy’s evidence base, particularly the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for non-exposed infants. They wanted clarity on their counseling role, based on individual risk or to promote exclusive breastfeeding as a single option. If the latter, they needed training on how to assist mothers with community-based barriers. Infant feeding messages from health workers are likely to remain confusing until their uncertainties are addressed. Their insights should inform future guideline development as key actors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nieuwoudt
- 1School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000 South Africa.,2Developmental Pathways Health and Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000 South Africa
| | - Lenore Manderson
- 1School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000 South Africa.,3Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, 85 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
HIV-exposure, early life feeding practices and delivery mode impacts on faecal bacterial profiles in a South African birth cohort. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5078. [PMID: 29567959 PMCID: PMC5864830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22244-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There are limited data on meconium and faecal bacterial profiles from African infants and their mothers. We characterized faecal bacterial communities of infants and mothers participating in a South African birth cohort. Stool and meconium specimens were collected from 90 mothers and 107 infants at birth, and from a subset of 72 and 36 infants at 4-12 and 20-28 weeks of age, respectively. HIV-unexposed infants were primarily exclusively breastfed at 4-12 (49%, 26/53) and 20-28 weeks (62%, 16/26). In contrast, HIV-exposed infants were primarily exclusively formula fed at 4-12 (53%; 10/19) and 20-28 weeks (70%, 7/10). Analysis (of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences of the V4 hypervariable region) of the 90 mother-infant pairs showed that meconium bacterial profiles [dominated by Proteobacteria (89%)] were distinct from those of maternal faeces [dominated by Firmicutes (66%) and Actinobacteria (15%)]. Actinobacteria predominated at 4-12 (65%) and 20-28 (50%) weeks. HIV-exposed infants had significantly higher faecal bacterial diversities at both 4-12 (p = 0.026) and 20-28 weeks (p = 0.002). HIV-exposed infants had lower proportions of Bifidobacterium (p = 0.010) at 4-12 weeks. Maternal faecal bacterial profiles were influenced by HIV status, feeding practices and mode of delivery. Further longitudinal studies are required to better understand how these variables influence infant and maternal faecal bacterial composition.
Collapse
|
17
|
Jama NA, Wilford A, Haskins L, Coutsoudis A, Spies L, Horwood C. Autonomy and infant feeding decision-making among teenage mothers in a rural and urban setting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:52. [PMID: 29454323 PMCID: PMC5816555 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-1675-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The nutritional status of infants born to teenage mothers can be sub-optimal compared to those born to older mothers. One contributing factor is inappropriate feeding practices adopted by teenage mothers. Little is known about how infant feeding decisions are made among teenage mothers, particularly in under resourced settings. In this study we prospectively explored autonomy and infant feeding decision-making among teenage mothers in a rural and urban setting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods This study adopted a qualitative longitudinal design. Thirty pregnant participants were recruited to the study cohort, from the catchment area of two hospitals (one urban and one rural). Participants were purposively selected to include teenagers, HIV positive, and working pregnant women. We report findings from ten teenage mothers, aged between 15 and 19 years, who participated in the larger cohort (n = 5 rural; n = 5 urban). Monthly in-depth interviews were conducted with participating mothers for 6 months starting 2 weeks after delivery. All interviews were conducted in the local language, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Data was coded using NVivo v10 and framework analysis was used. Results Findings from this study showed that teenage mothers had knowledge about recommended feeding practices. However, our findings suggest that these mothers were not involved in infant feeding decisions once they were at home, because infant feeding decision-making was a role largely assumed by older mothers in the family. Further, the age of the mother and financial dependency diminished her autonomy and ability to influence feeding practices or challenge incorrect advice given at home. Most feeding advice shared by family members was inappropriate, leading to poor infant feeding practices among teenage mothers. Returning to school and fear of breastfeeding in public were also barriers to exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion Teenage mothers had a limited role in the infant feeding decision-making process. Health workers have an important role to play in ensuring that knowledge about infant feeding is shared with the mother’s family where infant feeding choices are made. This will improve support for teenage mothers, and may also positively impact on the nutritional status of children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aurene Wilford
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lyn Haskins
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anna Coutsoudis
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenore Spies
- Department of Health, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Christiane Horwood
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jama NA, Wilford A, Masango Z, Haskins L, Coutsoudis A, Spies L, Horwood C. Enablers and barriers to success among mothers planning to exclusively breastfeed for six months: a qualitative prospective cohort study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Int Breastfeed J 2017; 12:43. [PMID: 29026431 PMCID: PMC5627494 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-017-0135-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is the most important determinant of child health and development, and is the recommended feeding practice for all mothers. However, EBF rates remain low in South Africa. This study aimed to prospectively explore enablers or barriers to success among mothers who planned to exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS A qualitative, longitudinal cohort design was adopted. Women were recruited during pregnancy from the catchment area of two hospitals (one urban and one rural) and purposively sampled to include working women, teenagers, and HIV positive pregnant women. This analysis relates to 22 women, from 30 women recruited, who planned antenatally to exclusively breastfeed for six months. These mothers were interviewed monthly for six months postpartum. Infant feeding practices were explored at each visit using in-depth interviews and 24 h feeding recall assessment. Framework analysis was conducted for qualitative data, and quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS A total of 125 interviews were conducted between November 2015 and October 2016. Among 22 mothers who planned to exclusively breastfeed for six months, 17 reported adding other food or fluids before six months, and five reported exclusively breastfeeding successfully for the first six months. Key themes showed that all mothers relied strongly on health workers' infant feeding advice and support. All mothers experienced challenges regardless of whether they succeeded in EBF, including inappropriate advice from health workers, maternal-baby issues, pressure from family members and returning to school and work. However, those who were successful at EBF for six months reported that high breastfeeding self-efficacy, HIV status and cultural meaning attached to breastfeeding were underlying factors for success. CONCLUSION Health workers are key players in providing infant feeding information and support, yet some health workers give mothers infant feeding advice that is not supportive of EBF. Strategies to improve health workers' competency in infant feeding counselling are needed to better prepare pregnant women to overcome common breastfeeding challenges and build mothers' confidence and self-efficacy, thus increasing EBF rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aurene Wilford
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Zandile Masango
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lyn Haskins
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anna Coutsoudis
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health School of Clinical Medicine Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenore Spies
- Department of Health, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
| | - Christiane Horwood
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Thomas E, Kuo C, Cohen S, Hoare J, Koen N, Barnett W, Zar HJ, Stein DJ. Mental health predictors of breastfeeding initiation and continuation among HIV infected and uninfected women in a South African birth cohort study. Prev Med 2017; 102:100-111. [PMID: 28694059 PMCID: PMC5802398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Breastfeeding is a cost-effective, yet underutilized strategy to promote maternal and infant health in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Breastfeeding remains challenging for mothers living with HIV in LMICs, yet few studies have examined mental health predictors of breastfeeding initiation and continuation. We investigated breastfeeding among mothers by HIV status in South Africa, evaluating predictors of breastfeeding initiation and continuation to identify intervention-targets. Breastfeeding patterns were investigated in a subsample of 899 breastfeeding mothers from the Drakenstein Child Health Study; a prospective birth cohort of 1225 pregnant women, between March 2012 and March 2015 in a peri-urban area. Breastfeeding was assessed at 5 time-points between 6weeks and 24months' infant age. Cox proportional hazard models evaluated breastfeeding initiation and duration. Logistic regression models with breastfeeding non-initiation as the outcome parameter were performed to determine associations with maternal sociodemographic, psychosocial factors and gestational outcomes. More HIV-uninfected mothers initiated breastfeeding (n=685, 97%) than HIV-infected mothers (n=87, 45%). Median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was short (2months), but HIV-infected mothers engaged in exclusive breastfeeding for longer duration than uninfected mothers (3 vs 2months). Despite concerning high rates, mental disorders were not significant predictors of breastfeeding behaviour. Employment and HIV diagnosis during pregnancy predicted a lower likelihood of breastfeeding initiation among HIV-infected mothers, while employment was associated with earlier breastfeeding-discontinuation in HIV-uninfected mothers. Findings indicate that future interventions should target sub-populations such as HIV-infected women because of distinct needs. Workplace interventions appear particularly key for mothers in our study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, J-Block, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - Caroline Kuo
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, J-Block, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121-4th Floor, Room 406, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Sophie Cohen
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Hoare
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, J-Block, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Natassja Koen
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, J-Block, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Medical Research Council Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders, South Africa
| | - Whitney Barnett
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Medical Research Council Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, J-Block, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Medical Research Council Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|